OPTIMIZATION OF YBA2CU3O7-X THICK-FILMS ON YTTRIA-STABILIZED ZIRCONIA SUBSTRATES

This report describes the optimization of the firing process used in the production of YBa2Cu3O7-x thick films screen printed on yttris-stabilized zirconia substrates. The highest critical current density (J(c)) values were obtained by employing a double layer printing technique in which a single superconductive layer was printed onto a zirconia substrate and fired, followed by the subsequent deposition and firing of second superconductive layer. Using this procedure, thick film superconductors with superconductive transition temperature (T-c) of 85K and a J(c) of 130 A/cm(2) were obtained by sintering the printed films It 950 degrees C for 90 minutes, followed by a six hour oxygen annealing treatment at 600 degrees C. Specimens sintered for comparable periods of time at 940 and 960 degrees C did not exhibit superconductive behavior above 77K due to either incomplete microstructural development or thermal decomposition of the superconductive phase respectively.